Scholarships for Underrepresented Groups

Some scholarships available through the ALA Scholarship Program are geared towards individuals from groups currently underrepresented in the library profession. Please review the individual information and eligibility requirements of the scholarships below:

ALA Spectrum Scholarship - annually provides up to 50 students from racial and ethnic underrepresented groups with a $5,000 tuition scholarship and $1,500 in professional development funds as they pursue a master's degree in library and information science.

Century Scholarship - established by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and the Library Service to Special Populations Section (LSSPS) and the Library Service to People with Visual or Physical Disabilities Forum, the one-time award of $2,500 funds services or accommodations not provided by the university that will enable the student to successfully complete a course of study for a Master's or Doctorate in Library Science.

LITA/LSSI Minority Scholarship - awarded annually by Library Systems and Services, Inc. and LITA in the amount of $2,500, this scholarship is designed to encourage the entry of qualified persons into the library and automation field who demonstrate potential in and have a strong commitment to the use of automated systems in libraries and who are qualified members of a principal minority group.

LITA/OCLC Minority Scholarship - awarded jointly annually by OCLC, Inc. and LITA in the amount of $3,000, this scholarship is designed to encourage the entry of qualified persons into the library and automation field who demonstrate potential in and have a strong commitment to the use of automated systems in libraries and who are qualified members of a principal minority group.